CPU Cooling Software is it a Myth??

OSNN.net Adventurer

Hi
I have seen some software such as cpuidle that claims to reduce your cpu temperature at idle upto 10 deg C is this true and has anybody had experiance running this program or simular ones.
(The software must be compatible with XP Pro SP1, Athlon XP and Nforce 2 Ultra)

OSNN Junior Addict

I use a program called VCool. It is only for Athlon cpu's. It works with Via and Nforce2 chipsets. It is GREAT!!! It cools my cpu (Athlon 2600) from about 42C to about 32C on a KT400 board and from about 52C to about 38C on a KT600 board. I do a lot of video encoding which really heats up my cpu. VCool makes a really big difference in cpu temp even when the computer is not idle because it shuts down the south bridge (i think) when it is not in use even though the other bridge is in use. It seems to work better than any other cpu cooler I have tried.

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OSNN.net Adventurer

cpugeniusmv ahh what cpu do you set it to do you use motherboard monitor and set it to your cpu die temperature?? Also I set mine to C2 cooling and it came up with a message saying not recommended I have an Nforce2 Ultra board....

OSNN Junior Addict

In order for VCool to work on most computers, you need to enable the idle loop and set the cool bit. Here is a screenshot of my settings. Note the temps and fan speeds in the on-screen display. I consider that a pretty cool operating temp.

It's possible that VCool will not support your chipset under any circumstances, which would be truly unfortunate. However, version 2.0a is pretty effective on mobos not supported by 1.8b. You need to experiment with setting either the cool bit or halt detect to see which gives you cooling effect. On my KT600 board, the cool bit did nothing, but the halt detect worked very well. The downside to version 2.0a, and the reason i switched back to a KT400 board is that you need to manually reset all of your options and mini-windows (on-screen displays) every time you reboot. It was still better than not having any good cooling option.

Happy Camper

Problem with these cooling programs is that they only cool the CPU when it is idle. They do nothing for load temps. This causes more expansion and contraction when the CPU gets a load placed on it and then is cooled off again. I have read several times that this expansion is more detrimental to the life of the CPU than the temp itself. After all how important is idle temp? What you really should be concerned with is the load temp and unfortunately these programs do nothing for them.

Ep, glad to see you come back and tidy up...did want to ask a one day favor, I want to enhance my resume , was hoping you could make me administrator for a day, if so, take me right off since I won't be here to do anything, and don't know the slightest about the board, but it would be nice putting "served administrator osnn", if can do, THANKS